“It was just every day, I was trying to get better. And I approach a Shute Shield game the same as I approach a Test match and that’s how I was able to get through it.
“Just sticking to that mentality and sticking to what I hold true to myself, which is trying to be a team-first guy at Waratahs training, trying to prepare the boys as well as I can while improving my own game because that is the only thing that is in my control.”
Tane Edmed has spoken of how playing for Eastwood in the Shute Shield helped springboard him back to Wallabies’ contention.Credit: Getty Images
Edmed has played six Tests for the Wallabies this season, earning his first start in the defeat against Argentina in Sydney. It was a tough initiation when he had a routine free kick charged down in the eighth minute by Pumas captain Julian Montoya, leading to a try.
Although the Brumbies recruit player has developed mental toughness at a young age, the mistake stung more than most.
“That was definitely a tough one because the consequence is as bad as it gets, they scored a try,” Edmed said.
“Those ones are really difficult and you’ve got to try and find ways to bring yourself back to the present. Everyone’s got different techniques on how they do that. I think that’s the aim of the game, right? Not just rugby, but in life. You’re trying to just be as present as you can and that solves a lot of your issues mentally.
Tane Edmed celebrates with Josh Flook against JapanCredit: AP
“I’m not saying it’s easy because it’s not, especially out in the field when you’re a fly half, especially when you make visual errors and the camera’s on you and people see that, especially a bad error.”
On Saturday, Edmed will play a crucial role against England, directing a new look backline, with Hunter Paisami set to replace Len Ikitau at inside centre.
Edmed has also enjoyed working with NRL recruit Carter Gordon at training, who is in contention to play his first Test in two years.
The pair know each other from their time playing for Australia under-20s and Edmed is already swapping notes with the former Gold Coast Titan.
“He’s (Gordon) a big body, he’s always been physical, we’ve seen that when he played rugby. He was a physical defender, he’s a big boy and you have to be in league,” Edmed said.
“So I’m sure he’s going to bring that to the table. He’s got an excellent long passing game and he’s got a really good boot … I’m looking forward to picking his brain.
“He’s been asking me questions and as I said before, we’re just working together to try and drive this Wallabies bus as far as we can.”
Meanwhile, England have named a new-look team to face the Wallabies, including starting Bath back-rower George Pepper ahead of British and Irish Lions series star Tom Curry. George Ford will start at five-eighth, with Fin Smith as a replacement, leaving no space for Lions playmaker Marcus Smith in the squad.
Watch all the action from the 2025 Wallabies spring tour on Stan Sport